3M Cable Joints & Terminations

3M Dynatel | 1420 Marker Locators for Underground Cables & Utilities

3M Dynatel Electronic Marker System Locator 1420X/XE

3M Dynatel

1420 Marker Locators for Underground Cables & Utilities

3M Dynatel Locators 1420X/XE Series determines exact location of underground 3M Electronic Marking System (EMS) Markers. There are two variations of the locators 1420-iD and 1420E-iD.

3M Dynatel Locators are microprocessor-based systems that incorporate advanced digital signal processing techniques to quickly and efficiently locate underground cables and utilities even years after construction or maintenance.

This locator reads, writes and locates 3M™ iD Markers.

It locates 2 different marker frequencies simultaneously. It features a lightweight design, large display with easy-to use interface, enhanced connectivity, internal GPS module, and includes Li-Ion battery with built-in charger.

Electronic Marker System Marker Locator | 3M Dynatel

Designed to be accurate, fast and integrated allowing you to accurately and easily:

• Locate, read and write to 3M iD markers
• Pinpoint the depth and location of all existing models of properly installed underground passive EMS markers
• Conduct direct depth reading of markers
• Locate two different marker frequencies simultaneously

Advanced Features

Detect Information About Underground Utilities

A feature exclusive to the 3M 1420-iD/1420E-iD locators is the ability to read, write and lock programmed information into the 3M™ Electronic Marker System iD Markers.

Information such as a pre-programmed unique identification number, facility data, owner information, application type placement date and other details from up to 100 markers can all be stored with date/time stamp and transmitted back to your PC for enhanced resource management.

Accurate Even In Congested Areas

The 3M 1420-iD/1420E-iD locators are unaffected by metal conduit or pipe, metallic conductors, fences, AC power or electronic markers for other utilities. Multiple markers located at close proximity can be read individually using this system.

A Simple, Easy-to-use System

Lightweight and compact, the locators are rugged, ergonomic and require very little operator training. A large bright backlit digital liquid crystal display screen and soft-key operation make them easy to understand and use for more precise locates.

A “memory” feature remembers operator set-up from the previous use. A standard RS232/USB communications port allows interface to an external computer for uploading/downloading of data, unit configuration and remote software upgrades. The system is estimated to operate for more than 25 hours on eight AA alkaline batteries.

Exclusive GPS System Adds Accuracy With Ease

The 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marker System Marker Locators 3M 1420-iD/1420E-iD are now compatible with select GPS/GIS field mapping instruments for real-time mapping of marker placement.

The customized Dynatel interface commands the GPS/GIS device allowing even a generalist field technician to perform real-time mapping. It’s a simple system for mapping marker placement and saving information directly into CAD and GIS systems.

The electronic export of this information in GIS format creates an automated paperless system for records updating, making positive locates in the field easier than ever.

Additional Features Include

• Large backlit, high-resolution graphic display
• PC interface via standard RS232/USB
• User-configurable features and interface
• Detects all seven EMS marker frequencies
• Locator PC tools software
• iD marker read/write capability
• Dual marker frequency search-simultaneous
• iD Marker depth estimation

3M Dynatel Technical Specifications

3M Dynatel 1420-iD

Keypad & Display Definitions

[1] On/Off (Power): Turns unit on and off.
[2] Speaker Volume Control: [2] Adjusts the volume of the locator (off, low, medium, and high).
[2A] Speaker Volume Icon: Indicates the relative volume level of the locator.
[3] Contrast: The arrows located above and below the contrast icon will adjust the contrast of the display.
[4] Gain Adjust: Adjusts the sensitivity of the locator either up or down to maintain a satisfactory signal level.
[5] Locate/OK: Sets the locator to trace mode for locating markers. Also acknowledges setup entries (OK).
[6] Menu: Displays setup screen for configuration of the unit, i.e.: clock, language, depth units, and marker data.
[7] Backlight: Toggles the backlight low, high, and off.
[8] Battery Icon: Indicates battery level.
[SK] Soft Keys: There are four soft keys (yellow keys) on the locator. The function of each key is shown above the key on the display screen. The functions will change, depending on the operation mode of the locator. For instruction purposes in this manual, the display command is followed by [SK] to identify it as a soft key.
[9] Soft Key Commands: Definitions for each of the four soft key functions.
[10] Signal Strength: Digital reading of the signal strength that the locator is detecting from the marker.
[11] Bar Graph: Graphical representation of the received signal.
[12] Gain Level: Displays relative gain level.
[13] External Jack: Not active on this model.
[l4] Serial Port: RS232 port to connect the locator to a PC via serial cable or USB-to-Serial Adapter cable.
[15] Earphone Jack: Will fit standard 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) mini-jack mono earphone plug (not included).

Ordering Information from 3M Electrical

Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have been Approved Distributors for 3M Electrical Products (LV HV) including Cold Shrink and Scotchcast products – whilst the competitive supply of product from stock on short lead times is essential to the distributor it is equally vital that 3M product reputation is preserved through the correct installation of products in accordance with 3M recommendations.

Are All Types Of Cable Terminations The Same?

Cable Terminations

3M Cold Shrink

Guest Article by 3M Electrical

From lost time to repairs, cable failure can result in costly power outages. Often, these failures are the result of electrical stress.

Improper cable termination stress control can result in premature electrical aging and can lead to failures. It can also present risk to the overall safety and reliability of a utility distribution system, windfarm, or heavy industrial facility.

The question is are all cold shrink terminations equal? Not necessarily. Test results indicate this is not the case, taking stress control into consideration. Learn more about Geometric and High-K stress relief, the differences between them, and how test results show better performance with 3M’s method of using High-K stress relief.

Managing electrical stress comes down to design.

I’ve noticed when meeting with customers that there is a consensus that all types of cable terminations are equal. That’s simply not the case. Just because cable termination accessories may look similar, it doesn’t mean they perform the same.

To help dispel this myth, we ran our own study comparing our own 3M™ Cold Shrink Termination technology, which leverages capacitive stress control versus geometric stress cones. Here’s what we found.

Capacitive stress control vs. geometric stress cone: what’s the difference?

A test was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment to determine which method is most effective at controlling electrical stress. As part of our study, we looked at the performance difference between two common types of cable terminations:

1. Geometric Stress Cone: This is an electrical stress control method aimed at reducing stress at the shield discontinuity. It works by extending the shield and gradually increasing the thickness of insulation under it.2. Capacitive Stress Control: This is a high dielectric constant (Hi-K) stress control method that controls the stress at the end of the insulation shield. It lowers the electrical stress at the point of shield discontinuity by diverting the electrical stress along the cable insulation interface.

The comparison: 3M™ Cold Shrink Products that use Hi-K capacitive stress control versus competitive cold shrink products that use geometric stress control.

For the interfaces’ stress control method, we chose our own 3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Termination. It’s designed to spread the electrical stress lines, which helps to reduce the surface stress, resulting in improved termination performance and overall cable life expectancy.*

After putting both methods through several tests in the 3M lab, the results yielded three key benefits.

Performance Testing of Cable Terminations

Product	Stress Control Technology	Partial Discharge	1 Minute AC Withstand	15 Minute DC Withstand	BIL (10+/- Surges)	HOT BIL (10+/- Surges)	Partial Discharge	5 Hour AC Withstand	5 Minute AC Withstand	BIL (10+/- Surges)	Partial Discharge
Competitive Sample 2, 3, 4	Geometric	X	X	Cannot Test further. Samples failed.
Competitive Sample 5	Geometric	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	X	Cannot Test further. Sample failed.
Competitive Sample 6	Geometric	X	✓	✓	✓	✓	X	X	Cannot Test further. Sample failed.
(4 Samples)	Hi-K	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Performance results

capacitive stress control vs. geometric stress cone study.

Our test results showed that the design behind cable termination accessories can have an impact on electrical stress management and can help prevent premature electrical aging, failures, and power outages.

There are three crucial benefits of choosing 3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Termination:

1. Reliability: The Hi-K stress control helps to prevent leakage and electrical discharge for higher cable reliability.*
2. Uniformity: The design allows for a uniform distribution of the electric field, helping lower surface stress and improve track resistance (i.e. friction).*
3. Safety: 3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Termination is easy to install and requires no additional jointing tools, it helps improve overall safety by helping lower the risk of cable preparation mistakes associated with longer insulation interfaces.*

Overall, test results showed that 3M™ Cold Shrink Termination technology has a excellent behaviour compared to the competitive stress cone technology.*

Further Reading

• Cable Terminations | Cold Shrink Terminations MV HV Cables
• 3M Cold Shrink Terminations Connecting Nexans 12kV (MV) Cable Onto Busbar
• 66kV Terminations | NEW Stock Introduction for 3M Cold Shrink Cable Terminations
• 3M Terminations | Surface Tracking on Medium Voltage Cable Terminations by 3M

Thorne & Derrick

T&D are Specialist Distributors to UK Distribution Network Operators (DNO’s), NERS Registered Service Providers, ICP’s and HV Jointing Contractors of an extensive range of LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – this includes 11kV/33kV/66kV joints, terminations and connectors for both DNO and private network applications.

Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.

Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV 

Medium Voltage Sensored Cable Accessories from 3M Electrical

3M Sensored Cable Accessories for Medium Voltage Grid Automation

Seeing the Whole Picture

Situational awareness is critical in the underground medium voltage distribution grid, as faults in this segment can potentially impact large numbers of customers downstream. This can be compounded by the wide-scale integration of renewables, which places additional demands on aging equipment and compromises network efficiency. Although distribution automation and control solutions have evolved to tackle these issues, acquiring key grid parameter data with high accuracy – and in real time – continues to be a major challenge, especially for underground medium voltage systems.

Now, 3M brings you advanced Sensored Cable Accessories that provide highly accurate voltage and current data, and can be deployed throughout your underground medium voltage system with low capital investment. When coupled with your existing communication infrastructure, 3M™ Sensored Cable Accessories enable real-time monitoring, giving you better visibility throughout your underground MV distribution system.

Accurate information about the state of your MV grid can help protect your customers – and your reputation – against the steep costs of outages, cable repair work and lost productivity. Better information drives better decisions: rapid fault diagnosis, fast and accurate response, and precise load control all depend on grid visibility.

3M™ Sensored Cable Accessories

for MV Grid Automation

3M Sensored Cable Accessories consist of passive sensors that provide highly accurate analog voltage and current waveforms. Your existing power equipment can be retrofitted with these accessories, which are both easy and economical to install.

Installation of the 3M SCA

• A fast, economical solution – Ability to retrofit power equipment allows installation at your chosen locations
• Underground system data – Enables real-time monitoring of your underground system when integrated with your communication infrastructure
• Highly-accurate readouts – Provides voltage accuracy of ±0.5%* and current accuracy of ±1%*, giving you real-time data that can be used in advanced automation and control applications
• No external power source required – Enables a simpler, faster, more economical installation
• No field calibration – Factory-calibrated sensors provide reliable, accurate data, without need for calibration in the field.
• Constructed with 3M Cold Shrink technology – For a safe, reliable seal that requires no special tools, sealants, adhesives, torches or other heat sources to install

* Refer to the 3M Sensored Termination Datasheet for detailed accuracy information.

A technology breakthrough, designed to give you more

Flexibility – Upgrade your key locations

Depending on geographic location, load profile, regulatory requirements and legacy equipment, your key locations may be different from those of other utilities. 3M Sensored Cable Accessories and interfaces are engineered to give you the flexibility to monitor key parameters at critical points in your network. This retrofit solution can be installed in your existing power equipment with minimal effort, and integrated into your existing communication infrastructure.

Reliability – Consistent performance

3M Sensored Cable Accessories incorporate passive sensors, which do not require an external power source. These sensors are also factory calibrated – with no field recalibration necessary. And 3M’s advanced Cold Shrink technology provides a reliable, long-lasting compressive seal, even in challenging environments. These features help reduce installation time and chance of craft error, while also providing the data needed to manage your grid assets proactively.

Accuracy – Analog waveforms for advanced analytics

Automatic distribution and control systems require highly accurate, real-time information about key grid parameters, such as voltage and current, in order to perform to their full potential. 3M Sensored Cable Accessories provide voltage data accurate to ±0.5%*, and current data accurate to within ±1%*. The bi-directional power flow and intermittent nature of renewable resources makes this data critical to utilities’ efforts to manage efficiency, quickly locate and correct faults, and keep end customers online.

Visibility – Real-time measurements

Currently available distributed intelligence solutions are generally too expensive to meet return on investment requirements if deployed systemwide. As a result, they are concentrated at just a few nodes – giving only a partial picture of the distribution grid. Since medium voltage cable accessories are typically located close to power equipment, 3M Sensored Cable Accessories can be deployed at strategic locations on the feeder, substations and consumption points throughout the grid – allowing wide-scale deployment and coverage.

Smart grid applications for 3M Sensored Cable Accessories

• Volt/VAR Optimization (VVO), including Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR)
• Fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR)
• Asset management
• Load balancing

Voltage and Current Measurement Made Easy

The 3M Sensored Cable Accessory QX-Generation 2.0 enables you to measure critical parameters (voltage, current, phase angle) in an underground medium voltage electrical network. This solution incorporates highly accurate voltage and current measurement integrated into one product which means you get precise measurements without modification of the installed equipment. Additionally, the sensors are passive components thereby not requiring an external power source for sensing.

3M Sensors and Cold Shrink technology ensures easy and fast installation for a wide range of cable cross sections.

Your Trusted Connection

3M, together with Thorne & Derrick, understand the greatest of challenges. Every minute of downtime damages your brand, and power outages can be costly. 3M technology can be trusted to adapt facilities for changing business needs, working with your team to add value to existing infrastructure, reduce operating costs and give a competitive edge.

How To Splice A 15kV Cable Using 3M Mining Cable Splice Kit 3103

A series of How-To videos for repairing, jointing and terminating cables using 3M Cold Shrink & Scotchcast products.

This video by 3M Electrical shows how to splice a 15kV SHDC cable using 3M Mining Cable Splice Kit 3103 safely.

3M Mining Cable Splice Kit 3103 may be used for flexible conduit and mining jacket repairs, as well as for cable splicing and jointing mine and portable cable.

3M 3103 cable splices and joints are for use on 3-conductor mine and portable cables, type SHD-GC, MPF-GC and MPF; # 6 AWG-500 kcmil; 5kV, 8kV, 15kV.

3M Mining Cable Splice Kit 3103 Kit Contents

• 2 rolls 3M Scotch 31 heavy duty mining cable tape
• 1 roll 3M Temflex 1700P vinyl electrical tape
• 3 rolls 3M Scotch 24 shielding tape
• 2 rolls 3M Scotch 2228 rubber mastic tape
• 2 CC2 Dry cable cleaning & preparation kits
• 3 rolls 3M Scotch 13 semi electrical conductive tape
• 3 rolls 3M Scotch 130C linerless rubber self-amalgamating tape – 1 ½” x 30 ft
• 3 rolls 3M Scotch 130C linerless rubber self-amalgamating tape – ¾” x 30 ft

Cable Preparation

Position cable end so that the colour rotation matches. Circle cut the cable jacket 12” from each end. Be sure not to damage the cable conductors. Measure 14” from the cable end and fully taper down to the circle cut.

Remove 12” of the cable jacket and cable fillers. Scuff and clean 4” of the cable jacket beyond the top of the taper. Hold back the grounds and ground check conductors and temporarily tape to cable with Temflex 1700P vinyl tape.

Select one conductor and cut at 9”. Match this conductor with the same colour conductor on the opposite end. Take the next conductor at 6”. Remove ¾” of the braid or tape metallic shielding from each conductor plus one half the connector length plus ¼”.

Remove cable semi con to ¼” of the shielding. Remove insulation for one half of the connector length plus ¼”. Pencil the insulation for ¾” and sand it smooth and even with electrical graded abrasive cloth.

Connecting Phase Conductors

Once the cable is prepared, join the power connectors with the proper connectors and cable crimping tool. Be sure the conductors butt up against the centre indents of the connector.

Note that ground wires and ground check will be joined later.

Applying Primary Insulation

Apply two highly stretched half lapped layers of Scotch 13 from the edge of one taper to the other, making sure to completely overlap the exposed semi conductive shield. Next apply highly stretched half lapped layers of Scotch 130C and up onto the tapers.

Build up half lapped layers building onto the existing insulation to 1/8” from the edge of the original cable semi con. The taper should be wrapped equal or greater than the original insulation.

Apply 2 highly stretched half lapped layers of Scotch 13 over the Scotch 130C overlapping the edges of metallic shielding.

Starting 2” up on the exposed metallic shielding wrap 1 half lapped layer of Scotch 24 over semi conductive tape continuing onto the opposite shielding for 2”.

Secure with a half inch square knot and trim the ends. Repeat connecting the phase conductors and applying primary insulation for the remaining phases.

Connecting Ground Connectors

Beforre cutting the ground wires reposition the spliced power conductors so that the conductors are returned to the natural helix of the cable. Lay the ground wires in their natural position in the valley between the two power conductors. Allow the ground to link staggered so as to avoid connection over the power conductor connections.

Join the conductors with the proper connectors and appropriate crimping tool. If present, connect the ground check conductor after trimming it to the proper length and remove one half connector length of the insulation from each lead.

On the ground check, clean the insulation 1” on both sides of the connection and apply one half lapped layer of 3M Temflex 1700P, one half lapped layer of Scotch 130C and one half lapped layer of 1700P over the connector and the clean insulation. Connect the remaining ground wires.

Jacketing The Splice

Bundle the cable assembly and bind it with 3M Temflex 1700P tape. Cover 1700P tape with one half lapped layer of Scotch 2228 and starting half way up the tapers, wrap half lapped layers of Scotch 130C building up and across the splice until the tape is equal to or greater than the original jacket thickness and extends 1” past the top of the jacket tapers.

Start 2” beyond the Scotch 130C tape and wrap one half lapped layer of Scotch 31 tape extending 2” beyond the 130C tape on the opposite end. Always wrap the Scotch 31 tape toward the machine end of the cable.

Start 1“ past the Scotch 31 and apply 3 half lapped layers of 3M Temflex 1700P to each end to temporarily secure the ends of the Scotch 31 tape jacket until the jacket reaches full bond.

Repairing Damaged Cable Jacket

Remove damaged cable jacket and taper the jacket approximately 2”. Scuff and clean 4” of the cable jacket beyond each split end. Bundle the cable assembly and bind with 3M Temflex 1700P tape.

Cover the Temflex 1700P tape with one half lapped layer of Scotch 2228. Wrap half lapped layers of Scotch 130C building up and across the splice until it is equal to or greater than then original jacket thickness and extends 1” beyond the top of the jacket tapers.

Start 2” beyond the Scotch 130C tape and wrap one half lapped layer of Scotch 31 tape extending 2” beyond the 130C tape on the opposite end. Always wrap the Scotch 31 tape toward the machine end of the cable.

Start 1“ past the Scotch 31 and apply 3 half lapped layers of 3M Temflex 1700P to each end to temporarily secure the ends of the Scotch 31 tape jacket until the jacket reaches full bond.

Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables

We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Mining Cable Splice Kit 3103.

➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.

Cold Shrink | Joint | Terminate | Seal | Repair | Splice | LV MV HV Cables | 3M

• 3M Electrical Products Stocked By Thorne & Derrick International 

3M Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape

3M Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape

3M Electrical Tapes

Scotch Super 33+ Tapes

When it comes to the your most demanding electrical maintenance and repair jobs where failure and equipment downtime are simply not an option look no further than the 3M Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape.

The vinyl electrical tape has excellent resistance to abrasion, moisture, alkalies, acids, corrosion and varying weather conditions (including UV exposure) and forms part of the 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes. Scotch Super 33+ can be used in hot or cold temperatures, high humidity or in contact with contaminants and aggressive substances making the tape suitable for inside and outdoor environments.

Highly conformable and super-stretchy and designed to perform continuously in ambient temperatures up to 105 °C

Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Electrical Tape is designed for:

• Primary electrical insulation of electrical connections up to 600V
• Protective cable jacketing and repairs
• Weatherproofing
• Harnessing of wires and cables

Thorne & Derrick – 3M Electrical Stockists & Suppliers | Scotch Tapes | Scotchcast Resins | Cold Shrink Products | UK & Export Sales

3M Scotch Super 33+ can be used in combination with other 3M professional tapes.

3M Tapes	Tape Description	3M Tape Image
Scotch Vinyl Colour Coding Electrical Tape 35	Scotch Vinyl Colour Coding Electrical Tape 35 is the professional grade vinyl electrical tape available in nine fade resistant colours: blue, brown, grey, green, orange, red, violet, white, yellow, and pink. Outstanding electrical and mechanical properties make this tape excellent for use in phase identification, colour coding of motor leads and piping systems, and for marking safety areas. Scotch® Tape 35 applies smoothly and conforms well down to 0 °C. Maximum operation temperature is 105 °C.
Scotch Rubber Splicing Tape 23	Scotch® Rubber Splicing Tape 23 is made from Ethylene Propylene Rubber. This product fuses to itself in a short time after application to create a solid piece of rubber with high dielectric properties and is impenetrable by moisture. It’s a great option when working on jobs with voltage up to 69 kV. Split resistant, crack resistant and flag resistant within harsh environments. Rated for 90 °C continuous operating temperature and over- load temperatures of up to 130 °C. Scotch® Rubber Splicing Tape 23 features a liner, making it easy to cut and apply the tape in strips and in messy environments.
Scotch Rubber Mastic Tape 2228	This product combines the advantages of rubber and mastic tapes for fast application. Scotch® Rubber Mastic 2228 is a conformable self-fusing rubber electrical tape designed for electrical insulating and moisture sealing applications at 90 °C with an emergency overload rating of 130 °C. It is flexible and conformable over irregular shapes. The thick construction allows quick application build-up and padding, good for cable jacket repair. It is UV resist- ant and has excellent adhesion and sealing characteristics with copper, aluminium and power cable jacket material.
3M Scotchfil Electrical Insulation Putty	3MTM Scotchfil Electrical Insulation Putty is a noncorrosive electrical grade compound in a tape form, easy to mould by hand down to 0 °C. It’s a great solution for smoothing uneven surfaces and eliminating voids until good overall padding is provided. 3MTM Scotchfil Putty is recognized as a splice insulation for electrical conductors at temperatures up to 80 °C when overwrapped with Scotch® Super 33+TM.

➡ Specialist Application 3M Scotch Tapes: Fire Retardant, Fire Resistant, Arc Proofing, Cable Sheath & Jacket Repairing, Bundling & Harnessing Cables.

3M Scotch Electrical tapes are used to cable joint, splice, repair, seal and protect cables against abrasion, fire and corrosion – this includes LV-HV (11kV-33kV cables) – please contact T&D should you require assistance with selecting the correct tape.